Footbridge and Waterside Masterplan

River containment alone isn’t the solution to flooding. This international design competition for Cork explored landscape-led approaches to flood management.

Gagarin Studio collaborated with DP Squared Structural Engineers, Rootstock Landscape Architects and Cork native Miriam O’Keefe to develop a holistic response. Our proposal looked upstream, reconnecting Cork with historic landscapes that once slowed water flow, particularly The Gearagh — Ireland’s only alluvial woodland. The scheme restores natural river processes, reintroduces inlets to Morrison’s Island and strengthens connections between the city and its hinterland.

Morrison Quay is reimagined as a linear park, with repaired river walls, reinstated bollards and new habitats inspired by The Gearagh. New cycle routes, accessible paths and improved crossings enhance connections across the river.

Habitat-forming groynes slow water flow, collect silt and support biodiversity, transforming the river into both a resilient landscape and civic amenity